FMPD chief responds to grand jury’s decision in fatal shooting

July 25, 2012

A grand jury recently found "No True Bill" against two men accused of homicide during the commission of a felony, according to officials.

The jury determined not to indict Eddie C. Leonard, 26, of Fort Myers, and Dejerion Stewart, 17, of Lehigh Acres, in the June shooting death of Zhi Wei Huang, 23, of Lehigh Acres. Fort Myers Police Chief Doug Baker responded.

"I am disappointed by the decision that has been rendered by the grand jury," he wrote in a prepared statement. "The Fort Myers Police Department will continue to investigate this heinous crime, and work in conjunction with the Office of the State Attorney to hold those accountable in this case."

At about 9 p.m. June 28, Fort Myers police responded to a shooting at the Westchase apartments, at 3746 Metro Parkway. Upon arrival, officers located Huang suffering from a gunshot wound.

He was transported to Lee Memorial Hospital, where he died.

Huang worked at a local restaurant and had just delivered food to an apartment at the complex, according to officials. Police set up a perimeter using K-9 and the Lee County Sheriff's Office Aviation Unit.

Officers began searching apartments, but did not locate any suspects.

Detectives took over the investigation and reportedly learned that Leonard lived at the address where Huang had delivered the food. They also allegedly learned that Leonard and Stewart planned the robbery, then carried it out.